The Seahorse Guildford

Lasting Memory: A tasty and tipsy summer party in familiar surroundings with an unfamiliar atmosphere.

Before I start getting into a review of our evening at The Seahorse Guildford, I have a confession to make. This is not a new date night discovery, we have visited plenty of times since we become Guildfordian’s. But what tempted us to visit and not seek out a somewhere new, was the lure of their Summer Party and Silent Pool pop-up bar.

I was intrigued how this normally relaxed cosy pub with reliably good food, could turn itself in live music venue, serving the gin of the moment to it’s local community.

We arrived at 7.30pm, after getting little Diner settled in bed and the babysitter’s devices joined to the WIFI.

As we’ve done numerous times, we entered the Seahorse via the front doors to be welcomed by the front of house team asking if we had a reservation. The gentle hum of happy full tables tucking into their meals providing the background noise, but not a note of live music?

After Mr Diner explained our table was booked for later and we were hoping to tuck into the Gin bar first, we where asked to make our way to the garden for all the fun of the party.

As we left the pub’s warmly lite interior into the bright garden we were immediately struck by contrast. The band playing sing-a-long crowd pleasers such as The Killers, Bruno Mars and classics from Bryan Adams, groups of people enjoying the music, BBQ and of course the Silent Pool Gin.

We shimmied (well I did, not so much of a hip move from Mr Diner!) to the bar. Drinks were priced at £6 for a single and £7.50 for a double gin. Eek, will be just the one at those prices I thought. Putting my kill-joy thoughts away, we ordered one of each. The Silent Pool ambassadors encouraging us to help ourselves to botanical sprinkles and flavoured sprays, which we dutifully took advantage of. Though if I’m honest, I’m not really sure they added much to the drink. Perhaps we did it wrong. It was quite amusing watching Mr Diner trying to subtly take the cardamom pods out of his mouth after each sip.

After managing to bag a lone table we happily drunk our gin and listened to the band until our tummy rumblings were telling us to sit down for dinner. It was shame we didn’t arrive a bit earlier to enjoy the atmosphere outside but then again, it would have ended up a very expensive evening and me with a very large headache the next day.

Once seated at our table the attentive staff presented the menu’s and offered to take our drinks order while we made our dinner choices. With a Summer BBQ planned the following day ourselves we were staying away from dishes such as the Wagyu Burger or Fillet steak.

Instead Mr Diner, chose a light meaty starter of Lebanese-Style Beef Kabobs served with pine nut tabbouleh and harissa hummus. The almost bite size skewers cried out for sharing. The meat perfectly seasoned and moist with flavoursome accompaniments elevating the dish.

For me the Thyme Roasted Portobello Mushrooms in Cropwell Bishop sauce with rustic toast were jumping off the menu. Delightful and the perfect size for me. However I think Mr Diner would have wanted more mushrooms.

We both felt the starter choices we’d made where a delicious and left us eager for the mains to arrive. When they did, they didn’t disappoint. For me, I couldn’t wait for the Lobster and Crab Fishcakes to arrive. Two perfectly formed fishcakes resting on a pea and truffle velouté, topped with crispy seaweed and asparagus. They also arrived with a side order of fries, which I hadn’t actually asked for but were a welcome addition for nibbling alongside.

Mr Diner opted for the Spit Roast Chicken with lemon and garlic confit, a sticky red wine jus, aioli and fries. His initial reaction of ‘Where’s the rest of it?’ quickly quashed once tucking in. Although he did eat most of my fries as well!

After tidily emptying our plates, the waiting staff cleared the table and offered the dessert menu. We both felt full up but wanted to check out if there was anything that could convince us to loosen our belts. While there were some tempting choices such as Baked Sicilian Lemon Cheesecake or the exciting sounding Melting Golden Chocolate Bomb or The House Sharer. On this occasion we were happy to have a night cap and head home nicely full.

When we left the music as still banging but the Summer Party was slowing. Although it wasn’t a new discovery, we really enjoyed our evening and it was great to see this local pub trying something different to attract some different customers or encourage some back.